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Avenue V

Avenue V provides funding for Ursinus students to financially support the advancement of their entrepreneurial endeavors. 

What is Avenue V?

Avenue V is a mini grant program designed to stimulate student business development. The U-Imagine Center offers funding to qualified individuals and teams that make a compelling case for a sustainable businesses idea, through Avenue V. (Teams can accommodate for up to four people). Qualified projects can receive up to $500 in grant funds and the opportunity to apply for additional funding to continue their endeavor. *Funds are used to cover start-up costs and business expenses with no obligation for repayment*

 

How Can I Apply?

APPLY

 

The Avenue V Process

If your application qualifies, you will be invited to pitch your project to the funding committee.  If your project satisfies the Avenue V requirements outlined within, you will be awarded the appropriate funding to pursue your project. Awarded funds will be dispersed through purchase orders or receipts in a timely fashion and in accordance with a project’s budget submission.  (Any allocated funds that are unused will be forfeited to Avenue V).   *Avenue V Grant request proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria*

Funding Criteria

Value Proposition

Is there a potential opportunity that provides clear value to customers? (Solves a problem, fills a need, relieves a pain point)

Target Market

Is there evidence that there is a market need?

Differentiation

How is it different than what is currently available and is it compelling enough to make customers switch?

Project Momentum

Has the team demonstrated the ability to execute?

Stage of Development

How well is the idea developed and has it gained some traction? (“prototype”, paying customer, functioning website etc.)

Use of Resources

Are the next steps clear? Will the intended use of funds move the project forward and increase the chance of it’s success?

Budget

Is the request for funds clear?

Evidence of Commitment

Has the team participated in any U-Imagine Center courses or programs?

Team Dynamic

Can the team move the project forward?

 Program Support

Teams that launch their projects using Avenue V funding are supported by the U-Imagine Center via weekly meetings via internal and external mentors. Teams are organized into summer cohorts and have an established meeting time each week. Students who receive Avenue V funds are required to meet on campus for a mid-project review. Additionally, teams are required to post weekly progress reports in efforts to supplement the final paper and oral presentation at the conclusion of the program.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Teams must consist of at least one Ursinus student in good academic standing as a founder. 
  • Students from any major, any year and graduating seniors are eligible for Avenue V.
  • Ursinus faculty and staff are eligible for Avenue V funding (Subject to fund availability**)
  • Faculty working with students are encouraged to apply.
  • Grants will be funded to both for-profit and non-profit ventures.
  • Teams must display a proven commitment to their venture’s success.

   For more information contact Maureen Cumpstone at mcumpstone@ursinus.edu